Present a new year's card to the students. Ask them to recognize the languages printed on the card. If some students could read some of the languages, encourage them do it in the class.

【设计说明】印有多种新年祝福语(中、英、法、俄、日)的卡片是书本图片的第一张。部分学生可能可以辨认出其中两至三种语言，甚至更多。如果学生愿意在班里朗读这些祝福语，也可以为他们的组获得分数。这样的设计，一方面为部分学生铺设了展示的舞台，可以增加这些学生学习语言的自豪感和为团队争光的荣誉感；另一方面，可以激发其他学生学习语言的动力和兴趣。如果教师自身条件允许，可以教学生这些语言的读法，不失为一次既有亲和力，又能激发课堂活力的活动。

Step 3 Discussion of emoticons

An emoticon is presented on the screen. Two questions "We often see this while chatting on line or in our text messages, what does it stand for? Could you give some other examples of emoticons?" are raised on the screen as well. Students are encouraged to utter their ideas freely. And the teacher really should appreciate their answers and the opportunity to learn from the students.

More emoticons are presented on the screen to let students guess or tell the meaning of them. This can also be involved in the competition if the teacher wants it to be interesting.

【设计说明】网络及手机短信中的表情符号是学生们生活中较为流行的一种语言形式，对这一学生熟知的语言现象的讨论，有助于拉近语言与学生间的距离，更有助于充分调动学生的学习积极性。

Step 4 Discussion on other forms of languages

Tell students that a language is not only something that can be spoken or typed. Show them a picture of sign language on the book. Give a short introduction of the meaning of the gesture. Present more pictures of sign language and get students to guess their meaning.

【设计说明】介绍语言不仅仅包含可书写和可言说的形式，还有手势等形式。简单介绍同一手势在不同国家和文化中蕴含的意义不同，在激发学生学习热情的同时，加强了文化的输入，和跨文化交际意识的培养。

Step 5 Introduction of Braille

Deaf people can use sign language to communicate. Ask students "How can blind people read the language in the books?" Present a picture of Braille alphabet on the screen. Ask students to feel the dots on their cash if possible.

【设计说明】与学生讨论盲文。简单介绍盲文的字母表。如果条件允许，可以让学生通过感觉人民币上的盲文标识，对盲文有一个感性的认识。帮助学生体会残疾人学习生活的不便，鼓励他们要努力学习。

Step 6 Discussion on communication between animals

Raise the question "Do you believe animals can also speak languages?" Let students express their idea about communication between animals.

【设计说明】人类只是这颗蔚蓝色星球居民的一份子，人类用语言交流，那么动物呢？让